Liechtenstein--an Alpine curiosity? A haven for financial criminals? Or a success story in modern Europe? This book examines the reality behind the clichés. Liechtenstein's history has been dramatic and precarious. Several times it was in danger of vanishing from the map, most recently in 1939 when local Nazis tried to seize power and swallow the Principality into the Third Reich. Liechtenstein has a tiny population, no natural resources and the image of a less-than-serious fairy-tale kingdom with dubious banking laws which have often proved the bane of international tax authorities. But since the 1940s Liechtenstein has actually transformed itself into one of the most advanced hi-technology countries in Europe. This fascinating book charts the story of one of the world's most unlikely countries, revealing a strategy which its rulers and elite have used through the centuries to ensure its survival.

History * The Land and Its Early History * The Princes of Liechtenstein (to 1723) * Towards Full Sovereignty (1806) * Reform from Above, Pressure from Below (1805-1858) * Johann II (to 1914) * The Fist World War * A Discreet Revolution (1918-1921) * Realignment from Austria to Switzerland (1919-1924) * The Campaign for International Recognition (1919-1922) * The Nineteen Twenties * The Shadow of Hitler * The Austrian Anschluss; Munich; a Nazi Putsch; Patriotic Unity * The Second World War * The End of the War * The Aftermath of War * The Economic Miracle, 1950-1990 * Liechtenstein's Foreign Policy in the 1970s: CSCE and the Council of Europe * The Accession of Hans Adam II, 1989 * Admission to the United Nations, 1990 * The European Economic Area, 1988-1995 * The Constitution and Politics * The Monarchy * The Citizens * The Parliament * The National Committee * The Government * The Courts * State and Church * Local Government * The Role of Prince Hans Adam II * The Constitutional Debate, 1992-2003 * The Economy * Survey of the Economy * Manufacturing: Some Company Profiles * Financial Services * Financial Services: Supervision and Regulation * Banking Confidentiality and Tax Competition * Modern Liechtenstein * The Population * Citizenship * Education * Health * Welfare * Culture * Sport * Societies * The Media * Public Security * The Environment * Social Problems * Liechtenstein in the Wider World * Liechtenstein and Its Region * Foreign Policy * Aid * Cultural Influence * Liechtenstein's Future * The Uses of Sovereignty * The Future of the EEA * The Economy * Limited Resources * The Image Problem * 2006: 200 Years of Statehood * A Brief Chronology * Sovereign Princes since 1712 * A Simplified Family Tree of the Princes of Liechtenstein * Heads of Government since 1918 * Useful Addresses * A Note on Sources * Index